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Two store clerks took matters into their own hands. Instead of just giving up the cash, they fought the armed robber and it was all caught on tape. NBC Bay Area’s Kimberly Tere reports from police headquarters in San Leandro with more on what happened. (Published Sunday, April 6, 2014)

Updated at 6:55 AM EDT on Monday, Apr 7, 2014

Two cashiers at a San Leandro 7-Eleven disarmed a man who tried to rob their store late Friday night, police said today.

A man wearing a ski mask and armed with a handgun entered the store at 333 E. 14th St. around 11:55 p.m. and tried to rob the two employees working at the time, according to police.

But the two cashiers charged the suspect and tried to detain him until police arrived, prompting a brief struggle.

Police said the suspect managed to escape, leaving his gun behind.

He was last seen running on Bellview Drive toward San Leandro Boulevard, police said.

"We are extremely lucky that no one was injured during this violent crime," San Leandro police Lt. Robert McManus said.

He said that while the department doesn't advocate approaching someone with a deadly weapon, the workers' were "very brave" and confiscated a weapon that could have been used in another crime.

"If someone sees something like this occur, please try not to take it in your own hands," McManus said. "Our ultimate goal here is to make sure no one gets hurt and that we do apprehend the suspect safely.”

Detectives will review the store's surveillance video to try to identify the suspect and determine whether he may be responsible for similar crimes in the East Bay, police said.

Police said the suspect is described only as being about six feet tall with a thin build.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call San Leandro police at (510) 577-3230. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the police tip line at (510) 577-3278.